Low Carbon Australia and Wagga Wagga City Council are to cooperate on energy efficiency in the first agreement of its kind for regional Australia and the second major agreement for the new agency.


The project will cost $257,602 with LCA providing a direct loan for $209,725 (about  81 per cent of the project cost). Wagga Wagga council is paying for energy efficiency activities at its airport.

 

Project planning assesses that approximately 2,200 to 3,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will be avoided over the life of the project – a saving of nearly $60,000 in energy costs.

 

Low Carbon Australia chief executive officer Meg McDonald said the project was an important development for local governments and businesses to access expertise and finance to purchase energy saving equipment.

 

“This agreement means local governments and businesses can implement energy saving equipment, which will save them money and energy. Energy savings drive a reduction in costs and an improved bottom line for business,” she said.

 

The Minister for Regional Australia and Local Government, Simon Crean said the agreement was the first of many opportunities for local government and business in regional Australia to embrace energy efficiency.

 

The project involves the installation of energy efficiency equipment at three council facilities, the Civic Centre, Civic Theatre and Wagga Wagga Airport including light and light fitting retrofits, lighting controls and voltage reduction units.

 

Low Carbon Australia has been established by the Australian Government as an independent company with over $100 million initial funding.

 

Low Carbon Australia provides financial solutions and advice to Australian business, government and the wider community to encourage action on energy efficiency, cost-effective carbon reductions, and accreditation for carbon neutral products and organisations.